Utilities Kingston warns customers of phone scam
Utilities Kingston is warning customers to beware of callers pretending to be from Utilities Kingston and demanding immediate payment for utilities. This is a scam. Several Utilities Kingston customers have reported this activity that is also affecting other utilities across Ontario.
Customers are reportedly receiving phone calls from scammers using a 1-800 number. Those contacted are being threatened with having their utility services disconnected if they do not provide cash payment immediately. In the most recent reported case, the scammers instructed a customer to make a payment at a local mall, at a Bitcoin machine. From speaking with our customers who have experienced monetary loss due to this scam, it appears they are targeting business owners where English language skills may be a barrier.
If you receive a suspicious call:
- Do not provide any personal information, including Utilities Kingston or credit card account numbers.
- Collect any information possible about the caller.
- Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. This agency collects information on fraud and works closely with police to solve these crimes.
- If you become a victim of fraud through monetary loss, call Kingston Police at 613-549-4660.
Utilities Kingston does not place calls from, or solicit calls to, a 1-800 number. Those with overdue accounts receive multiple notices prior to any disconnection and Utilities Kingston always delivers a Final Notice prior to any disconnection. Utilities Kingston requests overdue accounts be paid at City Hall, via Paymentus, its third-party credit card payment provider, or by contacting credit and collections at 613-546-1181, extension 2278.